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Blogging for Dollars
Last week I gave a guest lecture in Paul Allen’s Internet Marketing class on blogging. The talk (PDF) was one I’ve given before. In fact, it was much of the information I gave to Altiris last month.
One of the questions I got asked several times was “so how do I use my blog to sell my product.” Apparently, I didn’t answer the question very well.
The bottom line is I don’t think blogs are the right place to sell products. In fact, I think they’re the wrong place to sell. They’re a great vehicle for communicating with customers and engaging in the conversation happening on the ‘Net about a product, but they’re lousy places to sell products. The reason is simple: no one wants to come to your blog and listen to you talk about your product.
One of the points I made several times is that it’s a lot easier to make money because of blogging than it is to make money from blogging. The distinction is critical. I’ve made a lot of money because of my blog. I make very little money from it.
Truth be told, I do use my blog to sell a product: me. You are the easiest product to sell on your blog because your blog will be a reflection of you. If people find it interesting or informative, then they’re sold on you.
Posted by windley on September 21, 2006 6:51 PM
Comment from Jeff Harmon at September 22, 2006 7:02 PM
Phil, I hope you understand that I wasn't disagreeing with you. I completely agree that a blog is no place to promote a product and I think this will take some time for me to get to where I am not tempted to do so. At first it can feel counterintuitive to write a blog for “marketing” purposes, yet never sell your product. Thank you for the insight, I will do my best. Oh, and I will leave the "h" out of Whindley from now on. :)
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